Pair make Miss Universe finals

Judges selected Cassy Walker (21) and Aleisha Hudson (18) to be among the finalists this year at a registration day in Perth on September 30.

Aleisha said she was excited to be selected and hoped it would lead to realising her ultimate dream of winning.

‘I started modelling when I was about five-years-old ” my mum put me into a confidence building class because I was really shy as a kid,’ she said.

Having modelled for magazines and TV commercials, Aleisha said she took a three-year gap from modelling while she trained as a hair-dresser and Miss Universe was the first competition she had entered since returning to the industry.

‘I like modelling swim-wear ” I’m a big fan of the beach,’ she said.

Working full-time in finance, Cassy said she started modelling about a year ago, and had already found success, winning Miss Sunset Coast earlier this year.

Keen to represent women as a person who has health and happiness on her side, she said she was pleased to become a finalist.

‘This is the one thing that I’ve always wanted to do so it’s a real achievement,’ she said.

Organisers of the WA competition, Pink Tank Events, said the number of finalists increased from 60 to 70 this year after judges found it too difficult to limit the number.

The finalists will start a self-development program that includes a charity golf day on October 24, before the parades and heats start in January.